A recent letter by Christopher Schelb in SitNews Viewpoints dated January 2, 2012 takes issue with my letter of December 28, 2011 concerning the contents of Ron Paul's newsletters of the 1980s and 1990s. I stand by the quotes contained in my letter.

I wish to take strong exception to the dastardly and vicious personal attack by Schelb on my character, including my patriotism to the U.S. I am not a devotee or patriot of Israel or any other country, other than the U.S. I have been and always will be a patriotic American who served six years in the U.S. Navy (TS Cryptographic clearance), and I continue to serve this country in a number of patriotic organizations in a number of capacities. Furthermore, my wife and I have had close family members serve in every war from the Civil War up until the Iraq War. I doubt Schelb and his relatives can say the same.

Israel is a democratic and U.S. friendly country located in a region that is strategically important to the U.S. and Western powers. European countries are especially dependent on oil imports from the Middle East. Disruptions in the Middle East, like those envisioned by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, can cause tremendous volatility in the oil markets with attendant severe economic consequences in the world. Israel actsas a buffer against the proliferation of Islamic aggressiveness towards non Muslim countries. It tends to deter and probably reduce Islamic terrorist attacks against Europe and the U.S. We have experienced first hand the murderous attacks by Islamic terrorists when they attacked us in New York City, Washington D.C. and in Pennsylvania in 2001.

Other countries I support are Nationalist China, South Korea, NATO countries, Canada, India, Japan, etc. All allies of the U.S., just like Israel.

Unfortunately, the letter from Schelb ignores our geopolitical strategic interests in the world. He is blinded and caught up in the rhetoric of those who dwell on intolerance and hate. It is reminiscent of the type of propaganda put out by the Germans in the 1930s and 1940s, which led to the murder of tens of millions of people in Europe during World War II.

I am sure Schelb never faithfully served this country, and his allegiances could run counter to our democratic and Christian ideals.